Benchmark INCU-SHAKER 10L Incubated Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Benchmark INCU-SHAKER 10L is a high-performance incubated orbital shaker engineered for reproducible, long-term cell culture, microbial growth, and biochemical assays under tightly controlled thermal and mechanical conditions. Utilizing precision orbital motion (19 mm diameter) combined with active temperature regulation—via resistive heating in the H1010 variant and thermoelectric compression cooling plus heating in the H1012 variant—the system maintains stable environmental conditions across its 45 × 45 cm platform. Its patented heat distribution architecture minimizes vertical and horizontal thermal gradients, achieving ±0.25°C uniformity throughout the chamber—even at corners—and ±0.1°C accuracy at setpoint. Designed for uninterrupted operation over extended periods, the unit integrates a brushless induction motor with advanced vibration isolation, ensuring mechanical stability and low acoustic emission (<55 dB(A) at 1 m) during continuous shaking at up to 300 rpm.

Key Features

• Two configuration options: H1010 (heating-only, ambient +5°C to 60°C) and H1012 (heating/cooling, ambient −15°C to 60°C)
• Orbital shaking platform with precise speed control (30–300 rpm, 1 rpm increments) and consistent 19 mm orbit diameter
• Dual-mode temperature control with 0.1°C resolution and real-time PID feedback loop for dynamic load compensation
• MAGic magnetic fixture system enabling tool-free, one-second interchange of flask clamps, microplate holders, or tube racks
• Standard non-slip rubber mat platform optimized for Petri dishes, staining trays, and flat-bottomed vessels
• Robust stainless-steel chamber interior with reinforced insulation and sealed door gasket for humidity retention (optional humidification kit available)
• Intuitive LED touchscreen interface with password-protected parameter locking and event logging
• Compliance-ready design supporting audit trails and user-access levels per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with optional software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INCU-SHAKER 10L accommodates diverse vessel formats via modular accessory platforms—including MAGic magnetic clamps for Erlenmeyer flasks (50 mL to 3 L), spring-loaded racks for irregular containers, and dedicated holders for microplates (up to 8 standard 96-well plates), Petri dishes (14 × 5.5 inch), and angled tube arrays. All accessories are autoclavable or chemically resistant (316 stainless steel or medical-grade polymer). The system meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory equipment and complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives (EN 61326-1). When operated within validated protocols—including ISO 13485-aligned workflows or GLP-compliant environments—the instrument supports traceable calibration records and temperature mapping reports required for regulatory submissions.

Software & Data Management

The integrated controller stores up to 100 programmable methods with time-stamped run logs (start/stop times, temperature/speed deviations, door-open events). Optional Benchmark Connect™ PC software enables remote monitoring, method synchronization across multiple units, and export of CSV-formatted datasets compatible with LIMS and ELN systems. Audit trail functionality captures operator ID, timestamp, parameter changes, and system alerts—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with electronic signatures and role-based access controls. Data integrity is preserved via non-volatile memory with battery-backed clock and automatic power-fail recovery.

Applications

This incubated shaker serves critical functions in academic research laboratories, biopharmaceutical process development, and quality control testing. Typical use cases include aerobic bacterial culture (e.g., E. coli expression in LB broth), suspension mammalian cell expansion (CHO, HEK293), yeast fermentation kinetics, enzyme activity assays under controlled thermal stress, and biofilm formation studies requiring simultaneous agitation and sub-ambient temperature. Its large chamber volume (10 L internal capacity) supports scalable experiments using up to five 2 L flasks or equivalent multi-vessel configurations—ideal for seed train preparation and media optimization prior to bioreactor transfer.

FAQ

What is the difference between the H1010 and H1012 models?
The H1010 provides heating only (ambient +5°C to 60°C), while the H1012 adds thermoelectric cooling capability to reach temperatures as low as ambient −15°C.
Can the shaker maintain temperature uniformity with heavy loads?
Yes—its dual-wall insulated chamber and distributed heating/cooling elements ensure ±0.25°C uniformity even with full-load configurations and varying vessel thermal mass.
Is the MAGic clamp system compatible with third-party flasks?
MAGic fixtures accept standard conical flasks with ferromagnetic bases; custom adapters are available for non-magnetic glassware upon request.
Does the unit support validation documentation?
Benchmark provides IQ/OQ documentation templates, factory calibration certificates (NIST-traceable), and temperature mapping guidance per ASTM E2875.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual verification of temperature and speed calibration is recommended; no routine lubrication is needed due to the brushless motor and sealed bearing design.